If you see a tick, experts say not to crush it. But you might want to flush it.
Why it matters: Some ticks have hard shells that protect them from being crushed — such as the black-legged tick that can transmit Lyme disease — and touching a tick can increase your exposure to infectious material, says Dr. Paul Mead, CDC chief in the National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
What they're saying: If you find a tick on your skin, remove it ASAP. Mead says. "A plain set of fine-tipped tweezers works very well."
Be smart: You can dispose a tick by wrapping it in tape, putting it in a small jar with alcohol (if you need to preserve it) or flushing it down the toilet. If you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing the tick, see your doctor.